The Derawan Islands are Borneo's marine paradise — year-round sea turtle encounters at Derawan, the world's most reliable manta ray station at Sangalaki, a non-stinging jellyfish lake at Kakaban, and pristine atoll diving at Maratua. Our guide covers the top resorts in this extraordinary East Kalimantan archipelago.
Derawan Islands: Borneo's Turtle & Manta Paradise
The Derawan Islands are a remote archipelago off the northeast coast of Borneo (East Kalimantan) — one of Indonesia's most biodiverse marine environments and one of the world's most important sea turtle nesting sites. The four main islands (Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua) each offer distinct experiences: Derawan for turtle encounters, Sangalaki for manta rays, Kakaban for a landlocked jellyfish lake, and Maratua for pristine walls and atoll diving.
The luxury accommodation is limited but growing. Maratua Paradise Resort on Maratua Island offers the most comfortable base, with overwater bungalows and direct access to the atoll's extraordinary diving. Derawan Island has several dive resorts for those who want to be at the centre of the turtle action.
Top Resorts in the Derawan Islands
| Resort | Island | From/Night | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maratua Paradise Resort | Maratua | $300+ | Overwater bungalows, atoll diving, remote, pristine |
| Derawan Dive Lodge | Derawan | $150+ | Dive-focused, turtle encounters, reliable |
| Nabucco Island Resort | Maratua | $250+ | Boutique, overwater, excellent diving |
The Four Islands
Derawan Island: The main hub — a small island with a fishing village and several dive resorts. Green turtles nest on the beach year-round and are frequently seen in the water. Hawksbill turtles also present.
Sangalaki Island: Uninhabited, accessible by day trip — the world's most reliable manta ray feeding station. Mantas aggregate here year-round to feed on plankton. According to Manta Trust research, Sangalaki has one of the highest manta ray densities recorded globally.
Kakaban Island: A landlocked lake containing millions of non-stinging jellyfish — similar to Palau's famous Jellyfish Lake. Swimming through the jellyfish is surreal and entirely harmless.
Maratua Island: A large atoll with pristine walls, excellent visibility (20–30m), and a remote atmosphere. The most luxurious accommodation in the archipelago.
Getting to the Derawan Islands
- From Tarakan: 2-hour speedboat to Derawan. Tarakan has flights from Balikpapan (1 hour) and Jakarta (2 hours).
- From Berau: 3-hour speedboat. Berau has flights from Balikpapan.
Best Time to Visit
- March–November: Best visibility, calmest seas. Peak season June–September.
- December–February: Wet season — rougher seas, reduced visibility.
- Manta rays: Year-round at Sangalaki, most reliable April–October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Derawan compare to Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat has greater overall biodiversity and more dramatic topography. Derawan has more reliable manta ray encounters (Sangalaki) and better sea turtle density. Both are world-class. Derawan is easier to reach from Borneo; Raja Ampat requires a longer journey from Bali.
Can you see turtles at Derawan?
Yes — green turtles are present year-round at Derawan Island, both nesting on the beach and swimming in the water. Turtle encounters are almost guaranteed on any snorkel or dive. This is one of the world's most reliable turtle destinations.
Compare live rates for resorts in the Derawan Islands and across Indonesian Borneo.
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